by Adi Joseph, USA TODAY Sports

by Adi Joseph, USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Lakers are 9-13 and have lost five of their past six games. They are several spots out in the Western Conference playoff race, and two of their starters are out as they prepare for one of the NBA's best teams.

It's no wonder Kobe Bryant is unhappy.

"I'm very upset," Bryant said after Tuesday's 100-94 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. "When things get hard, you should get more determined, not shake your heads. It just seems when it rains it pours. It's like this cloud is following us around at all times."

The Cavaliers are the worst team the Lakers have lost to this season. They ranked 28th in the latest USA TODAY Sports NBA power rankings. They had lost five in a row entering the game.

But where does this latest loss rank among the Lakers' 13? Let's take the time to rank the losses, from best to worst:

13. 84-82 vs. San Antonio Spurs, Nov. 13

Why it was bad: They had this game won until Danny Green hit a miracle three-pointer in Bryant's face in the final seconds.

Why it wasn't: The Spurs may be the best team in the NBA, and the Lakers nearly won. This was their only loss under interim coach Bernie Bickerstaff.

12. 114-108 at Oklahoma City Thunder, Dec. 7

Why it was bad: They gave up 41 points in the second quarter and let it get out of hand quickly.

Why it wasn't: They showed resilience in the fourth quarter and nearly came back on the road against the hottest team in the NBA.

11. 106-98 at Memphis Grizzlies, Nov. 23

Why it was bad: They were outrebounded 39-28 and fell behind 34-18 in the first quarter.

Why it wasn't: The bench had one of its strongest games, with Antawn Jamison, Chris Duhon and Jodie Meeks chipping in 30 points and seven assists.

10. 99-91 vs. Dallas Mavericks, Oct. 30

Why it was bad: The Mavs were without Dirk Nowitzki and Chris Kaman, their starting post duo.

Why it wasn't: It's easier to forgive an opening-night loss for a team with so many new parts.

9. 95-86 at Utah Jazz, Nov. 7

Why it was bad: They shot 33.8% from the field and 17.4% on three-pointers and totaled 11 assists.

Why it wasn't: They had a 46-18 free throw advantage and 15 offensive rebounds. Also, this loss led to the firing of Mike Brown.

8. 105-95 vs. Los Angeles Clippers, Nov. 2

Why it was bad: They never want to lose to the Clippers, and Chris Paul rang up 15 assists to equal the Lakers.

Why it wasn't: Bryant scored 40 points, and the team shot 50% from the field and 43.8% from three.

7. 117-110 vs. Utah Jazz, Dec. 9

Why it was bad: They couldn't mount a sustained fourth-quarter comeback as the Jazz shot 54.2%.

Why it wasn't: Hill and Dwight Howard developed chemistry with Pau Gasol out, combining for 28 points, 25 rebounds and six blocks.

6. 79-77 vs. Indiana Pacers, Nov. 27

Why it was bad: Players other than Bryant and Howard shot 5-for-38 from the field, and the team shot 53.5% from the line.

Why it wasn't: They matched the Pacers on the defensive end.

5. 116-106 at Portland Trail Blazers, Oct. 31

Why it was bad: They lost Steve Nash to a broken leg.

Why it wasn't: Howard and Bryant each topped 30 points, Howard for the only time this season.

4. 107-105 at Houston Rockets, Dec. 4

Why it was bad: They squandered a 13-point lead with less than 10 minutes to go against a bench-heavy Rockets lineup.

Why it wasn't: They nearly won on the road against a good team.

3. 100-94 at Cleveland Cavaliers, Dec. 11

Why it was bad: All the reasons named above, plus they had a rare chance with an opponent shooting free throws worse than them, 57.7% to 62.5%.

Why it wasn't: They were down two starters, and the Cavaliers returned star point guard Kyrie Irving.

2. 113-97 at Sacramento Kings, Nov. 21

Why it was bad: They were outplayed in every facet of the game by a bad team.

Why it wasn't: It was the second game in a back-to-back, the first being in Los Angeles.

1. 113-103 vs. Orlando Magic, Dec. 2

Why it was bad: Against Howard's former team, they squandered a lead, allowed 40 points in the fourth quarter and let the mediocre Magic shoot 50% and total 34 assists.